Shipping containers are the backbone of global trade, transporting goods across vast distances via ships, trains, and trucks. However, moving these heavy containers requires precision, power, and specialised equipment. This is where cranes come into play. Cranes are essential for lifting, stacking, and placing containers efficiently and safely, whether in bustling ports, distribution centres, or logistics hubs. In this blog, we’ll explore the various uses of cranes for handling shipping containers and how they support the smooth flow of goods worldwide.
Ports are the primary locations where cranes are used to handle shipping containers. Gantry cranes, container cranes, and mobile harbour cranes are specifically designed to lift heavy containers from ships and place them onto trucks or railcars for further transport. These cranes have immense lifting capacities, some reaching up to 100 tonnes or more, allowing them to move fully loaded containers with ease.
Their precision and control ensure that containers are stacked and arranged quickly, maximising space and reducing turnaround time for ships. By using cranes at ports, logistics companies can streamline operations and maintain a steady flow of goods in and out of the port, minimising delays and congestion.
Cranes also play a vital role in stacking and managing container storage areas. Reach stackers, straddle carriers, and rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) are commonly used to move containers around container yards. These cranes are equipped with spreader attachments that can grip containers securely, allowing them to lift and stack containers up to several layers high.
This vertical stacking capability is crucial for optimising storage space in container yards, especially in busy ports where space is limited. Proper stacking and storage management also reduce the risk of accidents and damage to goods, ensuring that the containers remain stable and secure during their stay in the yard.
Cranes are frequently used to transfer containers from storage areas to trucks and trains for further distribution. Mobile cranes, such as the Kato CR-200Ri city crane, are particularly useful in logistics hubs where mobility and flexibility are key. These cranes can be quickly set up and moved around to different locations, making them ideal for handling containers in distribution centres and freight yards.
By using cranes to load and unload containers, companies can ensure that goods are moved quickly and safely, minimising the risk of damage and maintaining the efficiency of the supply chain.
While standard shipping containers are common, there are also oversized or custom containers that require specialised handling. Cranes equipped with adjustable spreaders or multi-lift attachments are used to manage these non-standard loads. This capability allows cranes to lift containers of varying sizes and shapes, catering to the specific needs of unique cargo, such as machinery, vehicles, or large equipment.
This flexibility makes cranes indispensable in situations where conventional equipment may not be suitable, ensuring that even the most challenging containers can be safely and efficiently moved.
Shipping containers are increasingly being used as building blocks for modular construction projects, such as container homes, offices, and retail spaces. Cranes are crucial in lifting and placing these containers into position during construction. The precision and control offered by cranes allow for accurate placement, ensuring that containers are stacked and aligned correctly.
By utilising cranes in container-based construction, builders can speed up project timelines and maintain high standards of safety and quality throughout the build.
Cranes are integral to the logistics and transportation of shipping containers, ensuring that these heavy loads are moved safely and efficiently. From ports to construction sites, cranes handle the lifting, stacking, and precise placement of containers, supporting the global flow of goods and facilitating innovative construction projects. At Complete Lifting Services, we offer a range of cranes ideal for container handling, ensuring your project has the right equipment for the job.